Dream a Little Dream (Nah! A Really Big One!)

I have a plaque on my wall that says, "God gave us dreams too big so we can grow into them". Years ago, while out on a morning run, in midstride, a vision opened in my mind's eye and I saw a grand white colonial house with tall pillars that held up the balcony on the second floor. There was a fountain in front of the circular driveway. To the side was an atrium. It appeared to have about six to eight bedrooms upstairs. I knew it was old, but beautiful. I stopped running and asked the Lord what that was. I heard the Spirit whisper, "what would you do if I gave that to you"? I was astonished, and responded with, "whatever you want me to do, Lord". This is where my too big dream began. I prayed and prayed about it. But no direction came. I began looking for it everywhere. That was about fourteen years ago. Since that time, my life has been topsy turvey. I have made it through several jobs, earned an Associates of Science degree, went back to school again to get my Bachelor's degree.had a daughter with cancer, a second marriage, several children's weddings, started a two year mission, two moves, fibromyalgia and other medical problems, started a business... and closed it, ran my own little healing center in my home, put my mother in memory care, sold a house, and bought a Victorian renovation in Missouri, and decided to move across country to Virginia for three years before settling in Missouri. How does this relate to dreams too big? Let me explain. During the time since the Spirit showed me the big house, there have been so many shifts, twists, and turns along the path, that I had begun to think that I had imagined it up in my head. The Lord has taught me so many new ways to help people heal, mentally, spiritually, and physically. Through my own crazy life experiences, God has been preparing me; helping me grow into my dreams. He has taught me grow into my dreams gracefully. The funny thing is that, while I have never lost sight of my dreams, my vision and understanding of my dreams has expanded, changed, and deepened. Sometimes, our vision is not complete, though we think it is, and it requires a continual willing heart and listening ears to know the next step. For example, I felt for many years, that the big house was a wellness center. I have tried and failed to create one with what I had so many times. At one point, I felt strongly I needed to go back to school and get a degree. I made a list of twenty things I wanted to study. At the top of that list were Master Herbalist, Accupuncturist, and Naturalpathic Doctor. I was told not to align myself with any of these at that time. Confused, I asked the Lord to put it in my head what He would that I should do. I was shocked when Family History came to mind. I had never researched in my life! Yet, the prompting had come quite unexpectedly, and so strongly that I could not deny it. So, here I am, five years later, no richer, and no events center... but I have had time to learn more valuable skills. I've also learned that life is a journey, not a destination, and it is ok to just enjoy the learning process. My husband and I had just about given up on finding the beautiful place, when a house came available. It wasn't exactly the house I saw. But it was fabulous! It could be transformed to be that house. He has taught me that being prepared to help others along their way, is far more useful to Him than a small wellness retreat would be. As President Dallin H. Oaks said, "The gospel of Jesus Christ is the plan by which we can become what children of God are supposed to become." The word "Plan" sounds like we made up our minds what we're to be, but the truth is that Heavenly Father must get a good laugh out of our plans. Then, he throws a curve ball at you. He is so funny! I often say, "I make my plans and God laughs". Our lessons have taught me to enjoy the ride, there's more to learn. I am increasingly convincedthat it is in the dreaming or visualizing, that success is born. The Lord can make it materialize anytime.